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Showing posts from July, 2016

Bringing calm to the classroom

Photo by Feliphe Schiarolli on Unsplash I sit on my pillow in a quiet space, surrounded by sympathetic adults. Under me, the cool hardwood floors. Nearby, the tick of a clock. The  instructor leads us gently through a tour of our minds, sharing  insights  to transform our lives. I have not known peace like this for decades. I am learning the practice of mindfulness. Fast-forward 15 years to a busy middle- school. It’s passing time. I step into the hallway, and hear a dull roar that I’ve heard before. Glancing down the hall, I see students shouting and gathering around two girls sprawled on the floor, fighting. Within seconds I am on the floor, trying to separate the girls. I am joined by another adult, and a police officer. One of the adults pleads, “Breathe!”, as we hold tightl